BEING a fan of George R.R. Martin's fantasy epic A Song of Ice and Fire (otherwise famously known as the Game of Thrones TV series), I love making references to the story each time a similar situation came up in real life.
The scenario: Robert Baratheon, an usurper, reached out to long-time friend Ned Stark in order to bring down the regime of the current king (at that time), Aerys Targaryen.
King Aerys eventually met his end at the blade of a member of his own Kingsguard, Ser Jaime Lannister, whose father Tywin led a siege at King's Landing (the capital of power) while on the pretext of defending the city.
What is interesting to note here is the Aerys is the last one from House Targaryen ever to rule from the Iron Throne.
Although I would love to elaborate more on what happens next, I believed I would then bore those who never actually picked up the book.
Nevertheless, this particular 'part' of the story came to mind, as I were observing the developments of this great nation's politics as we head to our National Day celebration tomorrow.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that the King Aerys boasts any similarities to anyone in Malaysia's scheme of things, but there are some parallels between Ned Stark and our former Premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Both are from the North and both used the 'honourable' card to justify their respective struggle against the current rule.
The manner displayed by the demonstrators when Dr Mahathir arrived at Dataran Merdeka with his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Ali was overwhelming. It reminded me how much of an influence he still has on the rakyat.
I was there myself, trying to get close to him while hordes of participants tried to do so. And failed, just like yours truly.
Although I have never gotten anywhere close within three feet from the veteran politician, a fellow media practitioner (and a friend) who managed to get close and asked him a question.
"Why are you here Tun?"
His answer was caustic yet simple ... ".I just came here to see"
Come on Tun. Was that really your answer?, I wonder.
Then, I thought to myself, maybe .... 'winter is really coming'.
Hafiz Marzukhi
Sun Aug 30 2015
The manner displayed by the demonstrators when Dr Mahathir arrived at Dataran Merdeka with his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Ali was overwhelming. - Astro AWANI/SHAHIR OMAR
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